Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup (2nd from right) handing over to Sister Dorothy Amalia Laudi was named the October winner of the NPC-MACROKIOSK Muhibbah Awards 2024. Seen are Datuk Kenny Goh (right), Datuk Henry Goh of the co-founders of MACROKIOSK.
KOTA KINABALU: A Franciscan nun who devoted her life to preschool education for underprivileged children in rural Sabah has won the National Press Club-MACROKIOSK Muhibbah Award for October.
Seven editors sitting on the panel of judges unanimously chose Sister Dorothy Amalia Laudi for her untiring dedication to rural preschool education by running 12 kindergartens in Paitan and Pensiangan.
Often described as "a petite nun with a big heart," Sister Dorothy of the Order of Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC) received the award from Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, who is also MP for Pensiangan.
Kurup said Sister Dorothy’s mission in Sabah is a powerful reminder of how education can transform lives and uplift communities.
"As MP for Pensiangan, I fully understand the challenges faced by the rakyat in remote areas.
“Her efforts to provide preschool education in under-served areas are truly admirable.
"By recognising her with this award, the National Press Club (NPC) and MACROKIOSK are highlighting the importance of supporting initiatives that break the cycle of poverty and bring hope to families in need," Kurup said at the presentation recently.
Sister Dorothy said she was touched by the recognition and vowed to continue her mission to help educate the poorest Sabahans in the interior.
"This is what the Muhibbah spirit is to me," she said, adding that the 12 kindergartens now have a total enrollment of 156 children aged four to six.
Sister Dorothy, a native of Tambunan, graduated from Edith Cowan University in Perth with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 2005. She was posted to remote Paitan to run mission kindergartens.
She was instrumental in establishing eight mission kindergartens in one of the remotest parts of the state and how has 12 – eight in Paitan and one each in Kota Marudu, Tambunan, Keningau and Pensiangan.
"The kindergartens would not have been a reality if not for the generosity of individuals and civil society groups," she said, adding that funds for teachers’ salaries, equipment, and petrol for boats to ferry pupils daily are raised through donations.
"Half my teaching staff are sent to college to become qualified kindergarten teachers. They also train the other teachers,” she said, adding that all of them are registered with the Education Department.
"Many of these children are from poor families. Their parents can’t even afford to send them to school.
"As a result, many are trapped, and they are married off at a young age to reduce the financial burden on their families.
"If they can get a good early education, they will have no problem going through primary and secondary school. Hopefully, we can give them a shot at life and break the cycle of poverty."
Last year, NPC, together with enterprise solutions platform provider MACROKIOSK, launched the Muhibbah Awards to recognise any individual, group or organisation that best exemplifies the true spirit of friendship, tolerance and understanding, or muhibbah, in Malaysia.
NPC president Datuk Ahirudin Attan said Sister Dorothy was the most deserving nominee for October as she consistently displayed the muhibbah spirit with her belief that all children have a right to education regardless of economic status or location.
"We hope the award will draw more attention to her noble cause as she needs a lot more help than what she has been receiving," he added.
MACROKIOSK co-founder and chief executive officer Datuk Kenny Goh described Sister Dorothy's mission to bring love, joy and hope to the poverty-stricken as "an extraordinary act of compassion" that has been going on for over 19 years.
"Her selfless acts exemplify the spirit that we, as Malaysians, hold dear. Her unwavering passion for education and commitment to uplifting these children's lives is commendable.
"I hope Malaysians become aware of her endeavours and more people will come forward to ease her journey of making a difference in the lives of these preschool children," he said.
The award carries a cash prize of RM2,000 and a certificate.
Those who wish to help Sister Dorothy may donate to the FSIC Needy Children Education Fund, Maybank account number 510143082167 or text her at +6016-803 0237 for details. She may be able to take phone calls wherever there is cellphone service in the interior.
